Preparing mind and body.
A pilgrimage is not a ritual or a rite. There is no prescribed right way or wrong way. It is an experience of very personal contemplation, reflection and prayer, so each pilgrim approaches it with his or her own unique relationship with God.
We come as we are. Some come dancing with joy. Others come with tears of sorrow. You might prefer to walk alone with your eyes to the skies. You might prefer to walk intimately with a spouse or close friend. You might prefer to sing or chant or pray rosaries with others along the way. You should feel free to walk your journey in whatever way best opens your heart to the whispers of the Holy Spirit. We only ask that you respect the sacred spirituality of the other pilgrims, understanding that, while all walk the same path, God has given each his or her own journey.
In preparation, you might find it helpful to do an examination of conscience, asking yourself what is holding you back from fully and freely being the person God created you to be. What is it you fear? Who do you need to forgive?
Some might find Eucharistic Adoration meaningful in preparing for the pilgrimage. Others might find the Sacrament of Reconciliation helpful as a way to bring peace to their hearts. The biggest thing is that you prepare your heart for openness. Make room for the Holy Spirit!
Walk to Mary prayer
Dear Father in heaven,
Just as the three Kings journeyed from the East to find Christ;
Just as Jesus, Mary and Joseph travelled by foot from Nazareth to the Temple in Jerusalem;
Just as Peter and James and John hiked up the mountain all day with the Lord;
Just as Christian Pilgrims have trekked across Europe and the Middle East to the Holy Places;
Just as Saint John Paul II voyaged to all mankind to find Christ and bring Christ;
So too we set forth on foot today, starting at the National Shrine of St. Joseph and Walking to Mary,
to visit the grounds made holy by Our Lady of Champion, Queen of Heaven, as we commit ourselves
to answering her call to “teach the children what they need to know for their salvation.”
May the archangel Raphael accompany us on our pilgrimage,
may our guardian angels protect us,
and may we know the joy of the presence of God throughout the day
as we rejoice in the gift of life and grace in the beauty of your creation.
Through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
If it rains, our hearts will still shine.
If it rains, our hearts will still shine.
What To Bring
Our Pilgrimage takes place no matter the weather conditions. Pilgrims are advised to dress appropriately for the day’s forecast and prepare by bringinging some of the following:
- A backpack to carry items
- Appropriate dress for the walk – remember the walk will take place rain or shine. Rain gear may be needed. It is always appropriate to dress in layers. If you get warm you can take a layer off and put it in your backpack.
- Water bottles are a MUST! There will be water refill stations along the way. Only water will be supplied.
- Food and snacks
- Rosary
- Comfortable walking shoes that have been broken in
- Extra pair of socks
- Some first-aid items (powder, bandages)
- Sun screen
- Dry and wet tissues
- Small towel
Experienced Walk to Mary pilgrims have encouraged us to share they have found Moleskin to be extremely helpful for the prevention and treatment of blisters. Blisters are, by the way, the most common issue for the pilgrims who participate on this journey.
